Liverpool have now set their sights on signing a Barcelona star, who would be an instant upgrade in a desperate time for Arne Slot.
Man City thrashing "unbelievably disappointing", says Slot
In their first game back from the international break and their first game since suffering defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League, it was a familiar story for Liverpool at the Etihad.
Once named "mentality monsters" by Jurgen Klopp, the Reds' new fragility was on full show when Erling Haaland's penalty turned an encouraging start into a spiraling thrashing at the hands of Manchester City.
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Liverpool could forget Xabi Alonso by firing Arne Slot for this former Premier League boss.
Before the half could even come to an end, the forward had his second and Liverpool were down and out. Haaland's hat-trick, alongside Antoine Semenyo's effort, then compiled Slot's misery on another afternoon to forget.
Having his say, the Dutchman told reporters: "The result speaks for itself. It’s unbelievably disappointing. Losing is already disappointing but 4-0 in a quarter-final of the FA Cup against a team Liverpool played so many times against, of course it’s a big disappointment.
"The 20 minutes where we conceded four goals were not of our standard."
The pressure is heating up on Slot and it doesn't get any easier. Up next, his side travel to face the European champions who arguably commenced this downfall a year ago.
It's becoming increasingly clear that this Liverpool side are in dire need of emergency surgery this summer, whether it comes courtesy of a new manager, or further recruitment.
Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are already planning ahead on that front, with Xabi Alonso linked with a move into the dugout and sights set on a Barcelona star.
Liverpool keeping close tabs on Jules Kounde
As reported by Caught Offside, Liverpool are now keeping close tabs on Jules Kounde, as they look to go head-to-head with Chelsea in the race to sign the Frenchman.
Valued at around £70m by those at the Nou Camp, the deal won't come cheap, but it would be worth every penny as far as Liverpool are concerned, particularly as he's "one of the best defenders in the world" in the words of Xavi.
Barcelona's Jules Kounde
Kounde has already played with Anfield star Hugo Ekitike for France and could soon get the chance to do so at club level if Barcelona decide to cash-in and ease ongoing financial concerns.
Hansi Flick may share a different view to keeping the defender, however. The Barcelona boss has been blown away by Kounde, telling reporters in 2024: "It's Unbelievable. I have never experienced this before. After the match, he wants to train.
"He is a great professional and takes excellent care of his physical condition. In every training session, he wants to give it his all. This attitude is not common, but it’s very good."
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It's no secret that Liverpool have got a right-back issue. It's why Dominik Szoboszlai has been forced to provide impressive, but forced cover this season. And if the Reds want to solve that problem, finally replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold in the process, then Kounde should be their top candidate.